St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) Guide | Terminals, Flights & Travel Tips

St. Louis Lambert International Airport serves as the main airport for the bustling city of St. Louis and its metro region. This airport has an interesting name – Lambert Field – which reflects its significance as a historic aviation landmark and a vital point for air connections within the USA.

Situated at a distance of around 14 miles north-west of downtown St. Louis, STL covers an area of 3,700 acres. As such, it remains the largest and most active airport in Missouri, handling roughly 15-16 million passengers per year, who are served by flights to over 80 destinations in the USA, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and even Europe.

Fast Facts on STL Airport

Some distinctive features of St. Louis Lambert International Airport include its state-of-the-art air links and fascinating aviation history. Named after Albert Bond Lambert, a prominent aviation pioneer who supported Charles Lindbergh’s early career.

Here's what you need to know about STL airport:

• Wide connectivity both domestically and internationally

• Simple terminal complex consisting of 2 terminals

• A diverse range of major and low-cost carriers

• Good public transport accessibility thanks to MetroLink

A Short History of Lambert Airport

The history of STL goes back to 1909, when the Aero Club of St. Louis created a balloon launch facility. Already in 1910, it hosted an international air meeting where the famous Wright brothers took part, signifying its early prominence as an aviation venue.

There have been several important events throughout the life of the airport. The first was when President Theodore Roosevelt became the first US president to take off from there.

The development of the airport continued very quickly:

• In the 1920s, it became one of the earliest municipally-owned airports in the USA

• During WWII, it provided manufacturing facilities for several famous airplane builders

• In the 1950s, a new terminal with unique-looking domes was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki

• After that, the airport became an important transport center for TWA

The number of people who used it reached its height around the year 2000, when over 30 million passengers passed through STL.

Terminals and Design

At present, St. Louis Lambert International Airport utilizes two terminals with several concourses that help facilitate passengers' movements.

Terminal 1

• Home to Concourses A and C

• Consists of 36 gates

• Includes airline lounges such as the Admirals Club

• Has a large USO center for military members

Terminal 2

• Dominated by low-cost airlines, specifically Southwest Airlines

• Consists of 18 gates at Concourse E

• Handles some international arrivals and is primarily used by low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines

Passengers can travel between terminals via:

• Shuttle bus service connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

• Shuttle buses between terminals

Runways and Facilities

STL features four runways, which include three parallel runways and one crosswind runway. The most recently built runway 11/29 was completed in 2006 as part of the airport's expansion efforts.

The modern runway complex enables:

• Reduced delays during peak periods

• Flights even under changing climatic conditions

• Domestic and international flights

Transport and Accessibility

Perhaps the greatest advantage of STL is its superior link with the city.

MetroLink Train System

The airport has a connection to the train line, with two stops available at each terminal. It becomes easy to access:

• Downtown St. Louis

• St. Louis County

• Illinois suburbs

Highway Network

• Interstate I-70 connects the airport with the downtown area and other locations

• Local highways such as I-170 and I-270 enable connectivity within the region

Airlines and Flight Destinations

STL provides non-stop services to more than 80 destinations, making it a useful hub for both professional and holiday travelers.

Notable aspects:

• A reliable domestic network to important U.S. cities

• Growing international connectivity on a seasonal basis

• Transatlantic flights with direct services to European countries

Popular airlines include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

Art, Culture, and Unique Features

In addition to being an air hub, STL is known for its cultural significance and aviation-related heritage.

Some examples of art and culture at STL include:

• Large-scale mural depicting the achievements of African American pilots

• Vintage airplanes such as the Monocoupe 110 Special

• Distinctive architecture, including domes

These features provide passengers with insights into the storied history of aviation in St. Louis.

Future Expansion Plans

To accommodate the increasing number of passengers, STL has initiated plans for a significant overhaul of the airport:

• Combining both terminals into a single facility

• Constructing a new concourse with approximately 62 gates

• Retaining the signature dome building

Why Opt for St. Louis Lambert International Airport?

No matter your travel purpose, whether it be for work or pleasure, STL provides a perfect blend of practicality and historical charm.

Main benefits of STL include:

• User-friendly layout and compactness

• Extensive domestic services

• Expanding international services

• Efficient transportation options

Conclusion

St. Louis Lambert International Airport will continue to grow to remain a major airport in the Midwest. This airport has many qualities that make it one of the best in terms of convenience and ease of connectivity. If you’re planning to travel soon, this is one of the airports you should consider using.